Crime & Safety
Suspect Arrested After Fatal Stabbing Of City Heights Woman
A woman exercising at Central Avenue Mini Park was stabbed to death before 8:30 a.m., the San Diego police said.
CITY HEIGHTS, CA — A 23-year-old man suspected of fatally stabbing a 65- year-old City Heights woman in an apparently random assault at a park near her home Monday was arrested.
The victim was exercising at Central Avenue Mini Park when Siliveinusi Patafalai attacked her shortly before 8:30 a.m., according to the San Diego Police Department.
The victim, whose name was withheld pending family notification, died at the scene of the assault.
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It was unclear what motivated the deadly violence, which apparently erupted without provocation or warning, according to police.
"There is no indication there was an altercation before the (woman) was attacked or that she was targeted for a specific reason," SDPD Lt. Steve Shebloski said.
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Police arrested Patafalai at his residence in the 3000 block of 39th Street at around 5:20 p.m., according to the Shebloski. He was booked on suspicion of murder at the San Diego County Jail, police said.
Anyone with additional information about this stabbing was asked to call the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293. Anonymous callers can contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or contact the agency online at sdcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
